Frequently Asked Questions: Employment of young people

The Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1996 sets out specific requirements in terms of children and young persons in employment relating to maximum hours of work, rest periods, work during term time, parental consent etc.

Can I Employ Someone Under the Age of Sixteen? Under the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act 1996, Employers cannot employ children aged under 16 in regular full-time jobs. Children aged 14 and 15 may be employed as follows:

﻿﻿During school holidays – (must have at least 21 days off work during this time)

As part of an approved work experience or educational programme where the work is not harmful to their health, safety or development

In film, cultural, advertising work or sport under licenses issued by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Children aged 15 may do 8 hours a week in school term time

The maximum working week for children outside school term time is 35 hours or up to 40 hours if they are on approved work experience.

What records should I keep on file for a Young Person?﻿Employers must keep records for every Employee under 18 that contain the following information:

The Employee's full name

The Employee's date of birth

The Employee's starting and finishing times for work

The wage rate and total wages paid to the Employee.

The Employer must keep these records for at least 3 years.

What about employing Young Persons on Work Experience or Training Programmes? Persons aged 15 may be employed as part of an approved (by FAS or the Minister) training programme, and an Employer may employ a 14 or 15 year old who is a full-time second level student as part of a work experience or educational programme. These placements are for a maximum of 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week.